Andrew Pern to open second restaurant in York

Andrew Pern wants to offer 'the whole package' at the Star in The City

Andrew Pern, chef-proprietor of the 90-cover Star Inn in North Yorkshire, is set to open a second venue – the Star Inn The City – in York’s Museum Gardens this autumn.

As revealed by our sister publication the Publican's Morning Advertiser,the 130-cover restaurant, situated in a converted engine house, will see Pern reunited with his friend and old Scarborough Catering College classmate Justin Brosenitz.

"Having worked together previously on a number of projects, Andrew and I have been considering a joint venture for some time and the Engine House building, at the foot of York’s historic Lendal Bridge is the most amazing location,” said Brosenitz.

“In the same way that the backdrop of the 14th century thatched pub at The Star Inn at Harome provides the unique ambience there, the setting of the Engine House, with its views of the river and approach through the Museum Gardens is just perfect.

“I am York born and bred, and I can’t tell you how exciting it is.”

The whole package​

The Star Inn The City will have a focus on locally sourced Yorkshire produce, with a private dining room also available for corporate functions.

Yorkshire-born Pern added: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with the Museum Gardens Trust to be able to bring a little part of the countryside to town in this landmark building, flying the White Rose flag and using its incredible produce.

“I have always been inspired by contrasts from the ‘rich man, poor man’ elements of my menus, and the contrasts of the old and the new of this building will be reflected in the ‘heritage’ ingredients prepared in modern ways for the menus here.

“We are aiming to offer the whole package – great food, beautiful setting, warm service and genuine Yorkshire hospitality."

Michelin ambitions​

Pern took part in the Roux Scholarship​ ​prior to opening The Star Inn at Harome in 1996, aged just 25. The former Publican’s Morning Advertiser’s Gastropub of the Year was forced to close for a week in 2009 when it suffered a Norovirus outbreak​​and in 2011 it lost its Michelin star which it had held for nine years.

Upon losing the star, the chef told the Publican’s Morning Advertiser: "Obviously, it would be good to regain our star and for the present we will continue to try to look after our loyal customer base as best we can and thank those who have already contacted us to express their support."